Desktop organizer having quick connector

ABSTRACT

A desktop organizer includes a fixing device allowing quick attachment of the organizer to a desk top, and a stand coupled to the fixing device and including tool holders for holding tools, such as pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, etc.
         The fixing device includes an upper engaging member and a lower engaging member adapted to respectively engage an upper surface and a lower surface of the desk top, and a resilient element for allowing the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member to be moved away from one another against a restoring force of the resilient element so as to allow quick attachment of the fixing device to the desk top.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to desktop organizers, and more particularly to a desktop organizer having a quick connector device for enabling quick attachment to a desk top.

BACKGROUND

Desktop organizers are often used to organize tools, such as pencils, pens, notebooks, rulers, erasers, etc., which would otherwise be scattered across the desk top. Known organizers comprise bulky contraptions that either consume too much desk space or require substantial effort to secure the devices to the desk.

Accordingly, there is a need for a desktop organizer that economizes desk top space and can be quickly attached to the desk top without substantial effort.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a desktop organizer comprises a tool carrier including a fixing device and a stand. The fixing device is adapted to engage an edge portion of a desk top for securing the fixing device to the desk top. The stand is coupled to the fixing device and includes tool holders for holding tools.

The fixing device includes an upper engaging member and a lower engaging member adapted to respectively engage an upper surface and a lower surface of the desk top. Further, a resilient element of the fixing device couples the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member so as to allow the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member to be moved away from one another against a restoring force of the resilient element to enable quick attachment of the fixing device to the desk top.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the lower engaging member includes a vertical leg slidably extending into a hollow interior of the stand such that a distance between the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member can be adjusted to accommodate various thicknesses of the desk top.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the stand has a modular configuration and comprises at least one base module and at least one stand module. The base module includes a receiving portion for receiving the stand module. The stand module includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter, and the large diameter portion is adapted to receive the small diameter portion of another stand module.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the desktop organizer includes at least one shelf module including a shelf portion for holding tools and a mounting portion for mounting the shelf module to the stand. Further, the organizer includes at least one clip having a holding portion for receiving the mounting portion of the shelf module and a resilient portion attached to the stand for urging the holding portion to securely mount the shelf module to the stand.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the lower engaging member is a resilient member for allowing the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member to be moved away from one another against a restoring force of the lower engaging member.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the fixing device includes an upper engaging member having an adhesive surface for attaching to the desk top, and a stabilizing member for engaging the desk top for stabilizing the tool carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a desk to which the desktop organizer of the present invention can be attached.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tool carrier of FIG. 2 attached to a desk.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two of the tool carriers of FIG. 2 attached to a desk to form a desktop organizer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two of the tool carriers of FIG. 2 joined by a stand connector.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tool carrier of FIG. 7 wherein the resilient arms have been deformed for mounting the tool carrier to a desk top.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tool carrier of FIG. 9 wherein the resilient ring has been deformed for mounting the tool carrier to a desk top.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tool carrier of FIG. 11 wherein the resilient connector has been deformed for mounting the tool carrier to a desk top.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of two of the tool carriers of FIG. 14 joined by a stand connector.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the fixing device having a tubular member attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of two tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a plurality of tool carriers in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having a small board supported by the plurality of tool carriers.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a plurality of tool carriers in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having a large board supported by the plurality of tool carriers.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a tool bag attached to a desk top with a fixing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a tool carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS A. Overview

A better understanding of different embodiments of the invention may be had from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like elements.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

It will be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent to possess a described meaning, there is no intent to limit the meaning of such term, either expressly or indirectly, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6.

B. Various Embodiments of the Desktop Organizer

1. General Framework

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a desktop organizer of the present invention is shown. The desktop organizer includes a tool carrier 200. The tool carrier is attached to a desk 10 for holding tools, such as pens, pencils, rulers, etc. The tool carrier 200 can be made of metal, plastic, rubber, or any other suitable rigid or semi-rigid material. The tool carrier 200 comprises a fixing device 210 and a stand 220 extending vertically from the fixing device.

The fixing device includes an upper engaging member 212, a lower engaging member 214 and a resilient connector 216 for coupling the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member. The resilient connector 216 enables the upper engaging member 212 and the lower engaging member 214 to be moved away from one another against a restoring force of the resilient connector for permitting the fixing device 210 to be clamped to an edge of a desk top 12.

The upper engaging member 212 and the lower engaging member 214 have a planar shape for stably engaging the desk top 12, but can have a variety of other suitable shapes, as will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 4, the stand 200 includes a plurality of inclined shelves 222 and horizontal shelves 224 for holding tools, such as a ruler 42 and writing instruments 44. As shown in FIG. 4, two tool carriers 200 can be installed on the desk top 12 such that tools can be suspended between the tool carriers. Accordingly, any number of tool carriers can be combined to accommodate a variety of tools.

The stand can have any combination of inclined shelves and horizontal shelves. Further, the stand 220 is shown as having a planar shape, but can have any shape suitable for mounting the shelves 222,224.

Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the desktop organizer which includes two tool carriers 200 joined by a stand connector 52 is shown. A single fixing device 210 is disposed on the stand connector 52 for attaching the tool carriers 200 to the desk top 12.

2. Fixing Device

The fixing device of the present invention can comprise multiple forms for accommodating desktops of varying thicknesses. In an embodiment of the desktop organizer shown in FIG. 6, the lower engaging member 214 is comprised of a resilient element having a curved or bowed shape. The upper engaging member 212 is connected to the lower engaging member 214 by a connector 62. As such, the lower engaging member 214 can be moved away from the upper engaging member 212 against a restoring force of the lower engaging member. Thus, the fixing device 210 can be expanded to accommodate a variety of desk top thicknesses and the restoring force of the lower engaging member 214 acts to clamp the fixing device onto the desk top 12.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an embodiment of the invention is shown in which the upper engaging member 212 is a planar member and the lower engaging member comprises a pair of resilient arms 72 respectively connecting to lower engaging members 214. As shown in FIG. 8, the resilient arms 72 can be moved towards one another against a restoring force of the resilient arms to accommodate desk tops of varying thicknesses.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an embodiment of the invention is shown in which the upper engaging member 212 and the lower engaging member 214 are attached to a resilient ring 92. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper engaging member 212 and the lower engaging member 214 can be moved away from one another against a restoring force of the resilient ring 92 to accommodate desk tops of varying thicknesses.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, an embodiment of the invention is shown in which the resilient connector 216 has a semi-elliptical shape which can be deformed to accommodate desk tops of varying thicknesses.

The lower engaging members 214 are shown as tubular members in FIGS. 7-12, but can be any suitable shape that allows for stable engagement with the desk top 12.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the lower engaging member 214 includes a vertical leg 131 which slides relative to the stand 220 to adjust a distance between the upper engaging member 212 and the lower engaging member 214 for accommodating desk tops of varying thicknesses. The stand 220 includes a pair of sidewalls 132, a front wall 130 and a back wall 134 which together form a hollow interior 136.

The vertical leg 131 is disposed in the hollow interior 136 of the stand 220 and slides therein to adjust the fixing device 210. A screw (not shown) is attached to the vertical leg 131. A nut 139 engages the screw for locking the vertical leg against the stand 220 at a desired position. A slot 138 is formed in the back wall 143 for accommodating the screw as it slides relative to the stand 220.

Referring to FIG. 14, an embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the fixing device includes a single upper engaging member 212 having an adhesive surface 144 on a bottom thereof for securing the fixing device to the desk top 12. The upper engaging member extends rearwardly into a stabilizing member 142 which engages the desk top 12 for providing stability to the tool carrier 200. The tool carriers of FIG. 14 can be connected to one another by a stand connector 52, as shown in FIG. 15.

3. Stand

An embodiment of the present invention having a modular stand 220 is shown in FIG. 16. The modular stand comprises a plurality of stand modules 162 and a base module 164. The stand modules each have a large diameter portion 165 and a small diameter portion 167 such that the large diameter portion of one stand module 162 can receive the small diameter portion of another stand module. In this manner, a user can construct a stand as desired. The base module 164 is installed on the fixing device 210 and includes a large diameter portion 165 for receiving one of the stand modules 162. The base module, of course, could comprise a small diameter portion instead of the large diameter portion. Shelves 222,224 are attached to the stand modules for holding tools.

In another embodiment, the tool carrier 200 can include a tubular member 172 attached to a shelf 224 for holding a writing instrument 44, as shown in FIG. 17. Alternatively, the tubular member 172 can be attached directly to the fixing device 210, as shown in FIG. 18.

Referring to FIG. 19, an embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the stand 220 includes a plurality of shelf modules 190 which are mounted to a plurality of clips 195 disposed on the stand 220. Each clip 195 includes a holding portion 197 and a resilient portion 199. Each shelf module 190 includes a shelf portion 192 for holding tools and a mounting portion 194 for being received by the holding portion of the clip against a restoring force of the resilient portion of the clip.

As shown in FIG. 20, the clip 195 could hold a sign 302, such as a schedule of classes for a student, a dry erase board, or any other written material.

As shown in FIG. 21, in addition to shelves, the stand 220 can also comprise a table 310 for accommodating larger items, such as erasers, sharpeners and other devices.

As shown in FIG. 22, a small board 320 can be supported by a plurality of tool carriers 200 to create additional work space. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a large board 330 can also be used.

Referring to FIG. 24, an embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the stand comprises a vertical board 410 having a plurality of receiving rings 430 attached thereto for holding writing instruments 44. A support element 420 is disposed on the vertical board 410 to support a bottom end of the writing instruments.

Referring to FIG. 25, an embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the fixing device 210 is attached to a tool bag which stores tools. The bag can be attached directly to the desk top 12 to provide access to the tools disposed in an interior compartment of the bag.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment in which the stand comprises a vertical board 410 having tool retainers 610 disposed thereon for receiving writing instruments 44. The tool retainers 610 can be clips, rings, or any other suitable retainers. Alternatively, the vertical board 410 could comprise a box of writing instruments, such as color pencils, having the fixing device attached directly to the box.

In FIG. 27, the vertical board 410 includes hangers 710 for accommodating a set of math tools 720, such as compasses.

While the foregoing embodiments have been described and shown, it is understood that alternatives and modifications of these embodiments, such as those suggested by others, may be made to fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A desktop organizer, comprising: a tool carrier including a fixing device and a stand, the fixing device being adapted to engage an edge portion of a desk top for securing the fixing device to the desk top, the stand being coupled to the fixing device and including tool holders for holding tools, wherein the fixing device includes an upper engaging member and a lower engaging member adapted to respectively engage an upper surface and a lower surface of the desk top, and a resilient element coupling the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member so as to allow the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member to be moved away from one another against a restoring force of the resilient element.
 2. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein the resilient element includes a pair of resilient arms which can be moved towards one another against a restoring force of the resilient arms to increase a distance between the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member to accommodate various thicknesses of the desk top.
 3. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein the resilient element includes a resilient ring which can be deformed against a restoring force of the resilient ring to increase a distance between the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member to accommodate various thicknesses of the desk top.
 4. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein the stand includes a plurality of receiving rings for receiving writing instruments and a support element for supporting a bottom portion of the writing instruments.
 5. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein the stand includes a box of writing instruments having a plurality of retainers disposed thereon for holding the writing instruments.
 6. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein the stand includes a vertical board having a plurality of hangers for accommodating math tools.
 7. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein the tool holders include a plurality of shelves for holding the tools.
 8. The desktop organizer of claim 7, wherein a tubular member is disposed on a shelf of the plurality of shelves for holding at least one of the tools.
 9. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein a tubular member is attached to the fixing device for holding at least one of the tools.
 10. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein the tool holders include a table for accommodating at least one of the tools.
 11. The desktop organizer of claim 1, wherein at least two tool carriers are attached to the desk top and tools carriers are used in conjunction to hold tools such that tools are suspended between the tools carriers.
 12. The desktop organizer of claim 11, further comprising a stand connector for coupling the tool carriers, wherein the fixing device is disposed on the stand connector.
 13. A desktop organizer, comprising: a tool carrier including a fixing device and a stand, the fixing device being adapted to engage an edge portion of a desk top for securing the fixing device to the desk top, the stand being coupled to the fixing device and including tool holders for holding tools, wherein the fixing device includes an upper engaging member and a lower engaging member adapted to respectively engage an upper surface and a lower surface of the desk top, the lower engaging member including a vertical leg, wherein the stand includes a hollow interior for slidably receiving the vertical leg of the lower engaging member such that a distance between the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member can be adjusted to accommodate various thicknesses of the desk top.
 14. The desktop organizer of claim 13, wherein a screw is attached to the vertical leg for fixing the vertical leg against the stand at a desired location.
 15. A desktop organizer, comprising: a tool carrier including a fixing device and a stand, the fixing device being adapted to engage an edge portion of a desk top for securing the fixing device to the desk top, the stand being coupled to the fixing device and including tool holders for holding tools, wherein the stand is comprised of at least one base module and at least one stand module, the at least one base module includes a receiving portion for receiving the at least one stand module, the at least one stand module includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter, and the large diameter portion is adapted to receive the small diameter portion of an additional stand module of the at least one stand module.
 16. The desktop organizer of claim 15, wherein the tool holders include a plurality of shelves for holding tools.
 17. A desktop organizer, comprising: a tool carrier including a fixing device and a stand, the fixing device being adapted to engage an edge portion of a desk top for securing the fixing device to the desk top, the stand being coupled to the fixing device; at least one shelf module, the shelf module including a shelf portion for holding tools and a mounting portion for mounting the shelf module to the stand; and at least one clip, the clip including a holding portion for receiving the mounting portion of the shelf module and a resilient portion attached to the stand for urging the holding portion to securely mount the shelf module to the stand.
 18. A desktop organizer, comprising: a tool carrier including a fixing device and a stand, the fixing device being adapted to engage an edge portion of a desk top for securing the fixing device to the desk top, the stand being coupled to the fixing device and including tool holders for holding tools, wherein the fixing device includes an upper engaging member and a lower engaging member adapted to respectively engage an upper surface and a lower surface of the desk top, and the lower engaging member is a resilient member for allowing the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member to be moved away from one another against a restoring force of the lower engaging member.
 19. A desktop organizer, comprising: a tool carrier including a fixing device and a stand, the fixing device being adapted to engage an edge portion of a desk top for securing the fixing device to the desk top, the stand being coupled to the fixing device and including tool holders for holding tools, wherein the fixing device includes an upper engaging member having an adhesive surface for attaching to the desk top, and a stabilizing member for engaging the desk top for stabilizing the tool carrier.
 20. A desktop organizer, comprising: a tool carrier including a fixing device and a tool bag, the fixing device being adapted to engage an edge portion of a desk top for securing the fixing device to the desk top, the tool bag being coupled to the fixing device and including an interior compartment for holding tools, wherein the fixing device includes an upper engaging member and a lower engaging member adapted to respectively engage an upper surface and a lower surface of the desk top, and a resilient element coupling the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member so as to allow the upper engaging member and the lower engaging member to be moved away from one another against a restoring force of the resilient element. 